Birdland: Bluebirds

All Those Blues, A Thousand Hues

Western Bluebirds are small thrushes, and very social when they are not breeding. They can often be spotted on low perches, swooping lightly to the ground to snack on insects. They commonly accept the offer of backyard birdbaths and feeders. People sometimes confuse Western Bluebirds with their Eastern or Mountain cousins, but they can generally be distinguished without much difficulty. Look for their vivid blue heads and throats, with orange breasts and sides. This Western Bluebird was photographed by Park Hill resident Mark Silverstein.